Category: Football

Silver Strikers, the Central Bankers have officially devalued their long-time city rivals, Civil Service United, with a convincing 2-0 victory in a fiery Lilongwe Derby played on Sunday afternoon at Silver Stadium to rule the city.

The TNM Super League Week 9 fixture not only showcased Silver’s attacking efficiency but also reinforced their claim as the city’s footballing superpower.

As if following a Central Region script, both tacticians — Peter Mgangira of Silver and Abbas Makawa of Civil — deployed identical 4-3-3 formations, hoping to outwit each other through pressing football and wing play.

Mgangira made three key changes to the side that shared spoils with Mighty Tigers the previous week. Emmanuel Allan, Innocent Shema, and Dan Sandukila earned starting spots, replacing McDonald Lameck and Precious Sambani. Civil, meanwhile, stuck to their traditional lineup, exuding confidence but later regretting the lack of fresh legs.

Clad in bright yellow, the Civil Servants came out with early urgency. Within the opening minutes, Precious Chipungu and Chikaiko Batson tested Silver’s defense with aggressive forward runs. In the 3rd minute, Damiano Kunje tried his luck from range with a left-footed effort that veered off target, before Blessings Malindi fired a thunderous free-kick inches wide of the upright.

But the tide turned swiftly.

By the 9th minute, the Bankers had settled into their rhythm, executing slick passing sequences led by the ever-influential Chimwemwe Idana and midfield maestro Festus Duwe. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Duwe unleashed a rocket from distance after receiving a precise through ball from Chinsisi Maonga — a goal that lifted the roof at Silver Stadium.
The goal flipped the tactical balance. Civil sought an instant response, and Moses Banda nearly pulled one back with a stinging shot, only to be denied by Silver’s alert goalkeeper, George Chikooka. The subsequent corner was well dealt with, as Silver’s defense held firm.

Sensing the momentum slipping, Civil’s Makawa made an early tactical switch, hooking off Emmanuel Muyila for Yankho Billiati in the 29th minute. The former Green Rangers defender-cum-midfielder presence gave Civil a short life in midfield.

As the first half neared its end, disaster struck for Civil. In the 40th minute, Blessings Juma brought down Emmanuel Allan in the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot.

Chimwemwe Idana stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, doubling the hosts’ lead just before the break.

Trailing 2-0, Civil Service United reshuffled at halftime, introducing Chikaiko Batson and Dustin Banda for Muhammad Biason and Damiano Kunje. The substitutes brought renewed pace and intent as the Servants chased a lifeline.

The second half saw both sides trading possession with fierce tackles and relentless pressing. Silver earned a free kick in the 58th minute after a foul on Maonga, and Sandukila whipped in a dangerous delivery that Shema nearly converted with an ambitious overhead attempt.

More substitutions followed: Mgangira brought on Binwell Katinji for Allan in the 61st minute, while Civil responded with Frank Chizuze and Thomson Magombo replacing Chipungu and Banda. Despite the influx of energy, Civil struggled to break down a well-organized Silver backline.

The final whistle confirmed Silver Strikers’ dominance, and Chimwemwe Idana was rightfully crowned Man of the Match for his leadership and composure in midfield.
Speaking post-match, an elated Peter Mgangira praised his players:

“We had a good game this afternoon. I’m excited with the result — the boys worked hard and executed our plan. Those two early goals gave us control and allowed us to play with confidence. I believe the fans enjoyed what they saw today.”

In contrast, a disappointed Abbas Makawa lamented his side’s passive approach:

“We gave them too much respect. That’s why we couldn’t intercept or disrupt their passes in dangerous areas.”

With the victory, Silver Strikers rise to 6th on the log with 11 points from six games, while Civil Service United remain languishing in 13th place, with just 5 points from seven outings.

Mighty Wanderers used a Bullet-proof to stop the Nyasa bullets’ metal pistol from going into it’s arteries yesterday, to end a four-year derby Victory drought.

The Nomads, who last won against Bullets in 2021 in the country’s elite League, staged a grand performance throughout the match that was handled by Mzuzu-based rwferee, David Chinoko.

Just one goal, was enough to paint the Blantyre based Kamuzu stadium and the entire city blue.

Mighty wanderes had commenced the run, with a pressing mechanism and an intent to score an early goal.

Bob Mpinganjira’s Wanderers instantly ate up Bullets’ ‘midfield – reliance’ tactic and rendered their attacking centers Mike Mkwate and Wongani Lungu toothless.

The biteless midefilders were easily overpowered and the Nomads stood a chance of being first on the ball and winning all second balls, leaving the people’s team charges wandered and wandering within the centre cycle.

In the first five minutes, “Nyerere” of Lali Luban won the midfield battle, perhaps this was a force that tied the people’s team legs and made them loose balls cheaply.

How Did Bullets Lose It

With their legs tied, and communication broken down, Bullets’ Captain Lloyd Aaron, Clyde Senaji, Yankho Singa and Wongani Lungu developed poor passes and back passes from Mike Mkwate that made them retreat and choke.

Then Lali Luban boys winkled a loop and pressed hard in the 8th and 10th minutes, respectively.

It was not surprising however, to notice wanderers scoring in the 12th minute to get an early lead – it was enough to hand them their first Derby win after 13 games.

The Nomads goal

During the 10th – minute, the blues were into an attacking spree as they haunted for the an early goal. Their attacker,, Fransisco Madinga walked past Singo and Aaron but the move was smartly challenged, a development that called for a corner kick.

Standing meters away from the 18 yard box, Madinga’s intentions were not to score. But to skip it inside the box and let one of the men in blue jerseys make a contact. As per his thoughts, Madinga spooned it inside where the ball landed at the right corner of the 16 yard box and Blessings Mwalilino connected it into the net.

The goal confused Bullets’ attackers and defenders who kept on Lossing the ball mercissilesy. As of the first half, Senaji had lost the ball four times , Mpokera two , Aroon three and Singo two, a development that forced Mponda to make an early substitution taking out Senaji who featured on the left centre-back, for Frank Willard.

The slotting in of Willard meant that Singo drop to play as a third centre-back together with Mpokera and Blessings Joseph as Willard paired Aoaron at the centre, but still Bullets could not tick.

Second half

Bullets might have started the second half with a renewed pledge to their boss Peter Mponda, but still it was no where near the level at which Nomads’ Blessings Singini and Felix Zulu were piling.

Mponda was not convinced. He made two more changes, taking out Aaron and Mkwate for Chawanangwa Gumbo and Henry Chiwaya.

Possessed by the Derby spirit, the two were so fast on the ball such that when Bullets had held control of the ball, they would snatch it back immediately.

The people’s team strikers Maxwel Phodo and Babatunde Adepoju were tightly marked and they lacked chances to stamp their lethality.

The Lali Luban boys could have also disappointed their supporters with the chances they had lost. Attackers, Madinga, Gaddie Chirwa and Wisdom Mpinganjira had several chances but could either lack a contact or strike it over the bar.

Bullets’ defenders, Mpokera, Singo and Blessing Joseph were left with only one choice, out of context but to send it in the Nomads half unnecessarily.

Nomads shifted the game plan when they brought in Masiya Manda , a defender and striker Clement Nyondo for Chirwa and Promise.

A few chances were there for Bullets’ forcing Cholopi and Mtete into saves.

The match which saw an additional five minutes after the prescribed 90 minutes ended as it was decided in the 12th minute, Mighty Wanderers 1 – 0 Nyasa Big Bullets.

In a post match interview Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira said he was excited with the win.

“I am very happy that we have won today but I should salute our boys for applying what we agreed,” he said.

In a separate Interview Mponda admitted that wanderers players were more into an attacking spirit that his charges were.

” We admit we lost. Today, we weren’t on the pitch, especially in the first half,” said Mponda.

Before the game began players had paid tribute to the fallen Nomads and flames legend Yasin Tich Osman who passed on in April this year.

The Nomads have since dedicated the win to Osman.

 

The Central Region Football Association (CRFA), in partnership with sponsors Chipiku Stores, officially launched the 2025 Chipiku Central Region Football League with a thrilling encounter between last season’s Division One champions, Blue Eagles Reserve, and Amour Battalion at Malawi Mangoes Ground in Salima.

This marks a historic season as it becomes the first time that the league champions will earn promotion to the newly introduced National Division League (NDL). Previously, winners advanced directly to the top-flight TNM Super League.

The launch ceremony was graced by the President of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Fleetwood Haiya, and drew an impressive crowd, signaling a promising start to the campaign.

Speaking during the event, Haiya emphasized the importance of long-term planning among clubs, especially with the evolving league structure that promotes player development and sustainability.

“We are happy to have officially launched the Central Region League. Football has truly begun in the Central Region,” Haiya said. “The winners of this competition will be promoted to the National Division League, and we believe this will increase competitiveness and, in turn, strengthen our national team over the next four to five years.

“Our main goal is to ensure Malawi has competitive football. The NDL will provide a platform for players who previously lacked visibility at higher levels. Now, to reach the Super League, a team must go through Division One, the Premier Division, and the National Division — a process that will take about three years. This calls for clubs to make long-term investments by trusting and developing young players.”

Chipiku Stores recently announced an increase in their sponsorship package for the league. Brown Mkangama, the Central Region Chipiku Stores Manager, expressed optimism for the upcoming season while calling for discipline and fair play.

“Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of the game,” said Mkangama. “We are proud to have launched this league and we hope for an exciting, violence-free season — unlike some of the incidents we witnessed in 2024.”

Echoing these sentiments, CRFA General Secretary Antonio Manda urged all stakeholders to work together in creating a peaceful football environment.

“Seeing such a large turnout in Salima is rare, and it’s something we want to see more often,” Manda said. “We condemn all forms of violence. We expect teams, players, and supporters to collaborate with us in improving the game.”

On the pitch, it was a dramatic end to the opener as Amour Battalion snatched a point with the last kick of the game. Ibrahim Arafati calmly converted a stoppage-time penalty to cancel out Lasthope Mahomed’s earlier spot-kick, ensuring the two sides shared the spoils.

Blue Eagles Football Club has announced the appointment of Deklerk Msakakuona as the club’s caretaker coach following the resignation of Head Coach Elia Kananji, effective May 29, 2025.

In a statement released by the club, Blue Eagles expressed its deepest gratitude to Kananji for his service and dedication since taking over the team in 2021.

The club acknowledged his role in shaping the team over the past four years and wished him continued success in his future endeavors.

“His leadership and commitment have played a pivotal role in the club’s journey, and we thank him for his invaluable contributions,” read the statement signed by Barbra Mcheka Tsiga, Chairperson of the Malawi Police Service Sports Board.

Stepping into the role is Deklerk Msakakuona, who currently serves as the club’s Technical Director. He assumes the interim coaching role with immediate effect. A seasoned football professional, Msakakuona brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of team dynamics, which the club believes will help steer the team through this transitional period.

Blue Eagles FC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining competitive performance and upholding the club’s values. The club also indicated that further updates regarding the permanent coaching structure will be communicated in due course.

Kananji resigned from his duty as he has been employed by Creck Sporting Club who fired Joseph Kamwendo last week.

Nsakakuona will be assisted by his son, Steve Nsakakuona who has been an assistant to Kananji since the start of the season. Steve is currently attending the CAF B coaching course in Blantyre.

Kananji has signed a two-year contract with Creck after a spell with the Area 30-based Cops where he won the FDH Bank Cup after beating FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and also won Chipiku Central Region League unbeaten.

Blue Eagles Football Club ( FC) has appointed it’s former coach, Deklerk Msakauona as a caretaker coach following the departure of the team’s four-year tactical master Eliah Kananji.

Kananji, who is reportedly wanted by Creck sporting club, tendered his resignation on Thursday, but his last match will be be today against Ekhaya FC.

A statement we have seen, signed by Malawi Police Service Sports Board Chairperson Babra Mchenga Tsiga, confirms that the team has parted ways with Kananji who tendered his resignation on Thursday.

The statement says Eagles cherishes the nurturing role that Kananji has played, saying it hopes the puzzle would be cordially filled by Msakakuona Snr.

“This appointment follows the resignation of Mr. Elia Kananji from his position as Head Coach, effective 29th May 2025. The club extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Kananji for his invaluable service and dedication since joining the team in 2021. His leadership and commitment have played a pivotal role in the club’s journey over the past four years. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Deklerk Msakakuona, who served as the club’s Technical Director, will take on the role of interim coach. A seasoned football professional, Mr. Msakakuona brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the team’s dynamics, making him well-suited to lead the squad during this transitional period,” says the statement in part.

Effort to speak to both Msakakuona and Kananji proved futile as their phones could not be reached after several attempts.

Kananji’s resignation comes barely months after he had signed a two year contract with the area 30 side up to 2027.

Reports are awash, that Eagles will demand Kananji to buy out his two year contract as it was stipulated in an agreement the two sides signed.

The tactical master is reportedly heading to Creck sporting club, which fired it’s head coach Joseph Kamwendo last Wednesday.

Both Creck and Kananji were quoted by local media as having been tounge -tied on the speculations.

Msakakuona served as Blue Eagles coach for 11 years. During his time, the cop won several titles including the defunct FISD Challenge Cup and Standard Bank Cup.

He left Eagles when he was appointed Malawi Under 17 National Football Team Coach in 2019.

Following his departure, team appointed Gerald Phiri, Snr as coach.

Phiri, under whose tutelage Blue eagles escaped relegation on the last day of the season, left the team in 2021 on mutual agreement.

Eagles then appointed Kananji, whose period at at Blue Eagles, experienced mixed fortunes.

Initially, the team was relegated to the Central Region Football Association’s Chipiku Stores League in 2023, and bounced last year after emerging champions without a loose on the Lower league.

Kananji also led Blue Eagles into the 2024 FDH BANK Cup after defeating defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

By Herbert Katanda

Reported By Austine Kananji:

Football game tension is increasing and rife as Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets football fanatics await the highly anticipated Blantyre derby scheduled for this Saturday, hoping the game will end in style.

In a special interview with the sports analyst, Kim Kamau expects the Blantyre Derby to be an exciting game as both teams will be meeting tomorrow since they are both in good performance whereby both teams have not yet lost a game since the start of the first round of the super league season, citing that the only difference is that Wanderers have only drawn one game and Bullets has played more games compared with the opponents.

Kamau further said that the recent fierce rivalry battle for Blantyre giants has not been as attractive as it should be following a single team dominance (FCB Bullets), however he has urged both teams to give their best to spice up the derby.

Currently, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets tops the TNM Super League standings with 18 points after 6 games played, while Mighty Wanderers are in second position with 13 points after 5 games played since the beginning of the first round.

In honour of the derby, both teams have agreed to honor the soccer legend late Yasin Salim Osman who played for both teams and died as the Wandererstechnical director hence, the lates portrait will be carried onto the pitch before kickoff whereby a moment of silence will be observed at the pitch`s Centre.

Head-to-head in all competitions from 2019 to 2024 in 10 matches played, Bullets has won 2 games whilst Wanderers has won 1 match, on the other hand Bullets lost 1 game and the rivals lost 2 matches, and having 7 match draws.

Elite League teams are unfaltering in terms of target, as they have already registered 100 goals in only 8 weeks on the season.

The slew of goals is emanating from the League’s 41 matches played so far.

FCB Nyasa Big bullets tops the list with 15 goals reaped from five matches, while Mighty Mukuru wanderers comes second after garnering nine goals from four matches it has played.

Kamuzu Barracks and Silver stickers have scored eight goals each from six and four matches, respectively.

Creck Sc and Songwe United are the lowest on the table, having secured three goals each, in their first six matches.

The number of goals is slightly lesser than last year’s 124 goals scored in the first eight weeks but It is the first time for new comers in the league to acquire more score lines.

For instance, Ekhaya FC which is tabled third in the TNM super League and has 7 score posts.

 

Ekhaya Vs Karonga United

The team on Wednesday added two score lines from their initial 5 goals during a match in which they defeated Karonga United, 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Ekhaya’s contribution of goals came when Chimwemwe Yasin scored the first on the 7th minute against Karonga with a throughball he received from Clever Chikwata. He rounded Karonga United’s keeper, McLean Mwale to score into an empty net.

Chikwata did not just provide an assist, but he also got himself on the scoresheet in the 4th minute of the stoppage time. This earned him a man-of-the-match accolade.

Initially, the game started fiery from both sides as they created chances mostly from set pieces.

Ekhaya was more dangerous in the early minutes of the match, but Karonga had their momentum beefed up after making a forced substitution: Robert Luhanga got injured and was replaced by Allen Chihana.

Karonga were still offensive in the first half but became two respectful after the onset of the second half.

In the second half Ekhaya, was piling pressure to Karonga until the 50th minute when Nature Kaonga’s attempt missed the upright post after noting Ekhaya’s keeper, Elias Missi out of position.

Moments later, Ekhaya came again with Biliati but his cross was wasted by alovemore Mbeta.

During the 60th minute, Karonga United’s Assistant Coach, Loti Mwakisulu was sent off the pitch after getting two yellow cards for behavioral reasons.

The match was nothing but a jingle Jangle thought out the next 30 minutes until Chikwata came with during extra time to pass the final verdict.

The book of judgement read, Ekhaya 2 – 0 Karonga United.

This means Ekhaya are now third with 12 points while Karonga are 5th win 9 points.

Karonga United’s Assistant Coach, Chris ‘Crespo’ Chimkwita, attributed the loss to a lost possession which he says resulted into incapability by his players to utilise chances they created in the second half.

“Minus the results, I am happy for my boys it’s only just a few things that we need to iron out,” Chimkwita said.

Kamuzu Barracks vs Creck

On the other hand, Kamuzu Barracks visited Creck Sporting at Aubrey Dimba stadium in Mchinji to end up in a barren draw.

Both teams started with launching an attacking spree in the first half but tactical challenges and aggressive marking skills might have diverted their attention.e

Just after 7 minutes, Kamuzu Barracks were playing possessive football but Creck were strong defensively.

KB’s Midfield of Namadzunda and Lloyd Mugala passess were milking their chances as they aimed at reaching their number 9 Zeliati Nkhoma.But still Creck were solid at the back.

Creck’s Ng’andu was voted the man of the match by the end of 90 minutes.

Creck’s Coach, Harry Saidi said the draw was just another acceptable result.

“We are happy with the result but we expect another game this Sunday, so we need to try our best to get the maximum points,” he said.

On the other hand, Kamuzu Barracks’ coach, Nicholas Mhango, said his players’ performance was not impressive.

“We did not prepare well for this game maybe this is the reason why we have underperformed,” Nkhoma remarked.

Next, Mighty Tigers will Chitipa United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Thursday.

By Herbert Katanda

Kamuzu Barracks (KB) have shifted to the third place in the TNM Super League following a 1-0 win over the League’s second placed Ekhaya FC at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa on Saturday.

The Lilongwe based Soldiers currently have 9 points secured from 5 games. The encountered goal arrived in the 45th minute, from Zeliati Nkhoma.

Nkhoma unmistakably converting a well-timed assist from John Mchema who had given him a sprinting cross.

The game began as a balanced affair, with KB creating the first threat in the 3rd minute after Hadji James fouled Gregory Nachipo.

Standing a very dangerous angle, six yards from the 18-yard box, Nachipo swiped the free kick which went straight onto the bar.

The 5th minute saw Ekhaya doing what could easily be described as counter attack, through a sequence of sharp passes between midfielders Clever Chikwata, Mwayi Banda, and Lovemore Mbeta but this wasn’t enough to beat KB defender Mike Ntonyo who tactically cleared the danger.

Mbeta, again, Showed a rare bravado in the 8th minute but he was stopped from converting inside the eight-yard box.

Ekhaya’s could not stop pressuring the soldiers as in the 16th minute Andrew Lameck smacked it against KB goalkeeper Hastings Banda who made a very crucial contact to the ball and ignited a corner kick.

The 30th and 32nd minutes saw KB releasing fire shots and tactics but all attempts were timely cleared.

First, Nachipo’s shot was blocked by Ekhaya’s Kesteni Simbi and then, Mchema’s free kick went off target after Innocent Msowoya fouled Anold Masamba.

Initially, Nachipo’s shot was blocked by Ekhaya’s Kesteni Simbi before Mchema’s was awarded a free kick which went off target after Innocent Msowoya fouled Anold Masamba.

KB ‘s first submission came in the 37th minute, when Lumbani Mkandawire was slotted in to replace Masamba. Two minutes later, Mchema missed a clear one-on-one opportunity against Ekhaya goalkeeper Elias Missi, moments before Nkhoma sealed the lead.

In the second half, Ekhaya came with a different mind, intended on attacking but failed to crucial contacts. In the 60th minute, they slotted in Hermas Masinka and Wongani Kaponya for Hadji James and Mbeta.

KB had their own Changes that saw Mchema replacing Lumbani Mkandawire, and Olson Kanjira for Shuiten Mhango.

The rest of the game was a tick tacker, as both teams defended impressively to stop their opponents from dominating their protected places especially in the goalkeeper boxes. This was contrary to the coaches intentions who thought of attacking using their substitutions in search of a breakthrough.

Kamuzu Barracks Head Coach, Nicholas Mhango, noted that Ekhaya gave them a challenging match but attributed the victory to his charges resilience.

He said ; “We were physical that is why we scored after missing so many chances. I think the problem is with the pitch because we are used with a bare ground unlike this one that is covered.’’

But Ekhaya’s Head coach, Enos Chatama, was not happy with the outcome.

“It is like we have a certain cancer in the team where we are conceding giveaway goals. We conceded a goal which we could have avoided,” he said.

TNM Super League action continues on Sunday with Mighty Wanderers facing Creck Sporting Club at their own back yard, while Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos are set to host Karonga United.

In other matches, Chitipa United will face 2025 league entrants and 2023 relegated side, Blue Eagles at their own back yard.

Civil Service United sealed a 4-0 win over Mzuzu City Hammers on Saturday at Civil Stadium in Lilongwe, to booked their place in the 2025 Airtel Top 8 Semifinals.

The Match followed a barren draw in the quarter finals first leg between the two sides at the hammers back yard in Mzuzu on April 21, 2025.

The Servants produced a composed and disciplined performance to see to settle the tie early and a vital cushion that has made them final four for the first time in five years.

Precious Chipungu’s produced a header that narrowly missed the target after the right winger had spooned it inside in the 9th minute.

In a massive counter attack, Civil broke the deadlock a minute later.

Civil’s Dastan Banda made amends, latching onto a perfectly-weighted pass from Blessings Malinda giving the Servants a 1 -0 lead.

Mzuzu City Hammers nearly leveled in the 15th minute when Chimwemwe Chunga ran past three Civil defenders from the right but his shot went over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Civil goalkeeper Rahaman John, formerly a midfielder, punched the ball clear but suffered a minor injury in the process.

Not so long, Khumbo Mhone was shown a yellow card after he slid with a tackle on hammers captain Yasin Rashid.

Threatened by lack of attacking tacticks, the visitors instilled their first substitution in the 23rd minute, slotting in Samson Olatibosun who replaced Samson Amos.

As if it was an open fire, Civil piled continuous pressure on hammers which broke their defense.

Malinda opened fire from a distance, while Righteous Banda whipped in a low cross that lacked a final touch.

In the 36th minute Muhammad Biason doubled the lead after settling the ball home when he got a super assist from Malinda.

Four minutes later, Malinda hit a powerful strike beating Hammers’ goal keeper Eddie Jamu to make it 3-0 before the half time.

Remontada characterized the second half as Mzuzu seemed to be in an attacking spree but their strikers failed to utilize a few chances they got.

Biason missed an opportunity to bag his second from a Chipungu cross, and a quick counter from Mzuzu also fell flat as Isaiah Nyirenda’s pass to Olatibosun failed to connect in the 53rd minute of the match.

Civil removed Chipungu and replaced him with Chikaiko Batison, while Mzuzu inserted Pearson Mbizi for Chawanangwa Mkandawire.

The ball went slippery on Jamu into the box, but Civil failed to materialize even though there were three attackers in position.

Biason was substituted in the 69th minute, making way for Damiano Kunje.

Peter Ng’ambi was also given a yellow card for a deliberate handball outside the penalty area. However, Olatibosun’s resulting free-kick was saved by Rahaman John.

Mzuzu made its fourth change in the 77th minute, taking out Gerald Ngwira for Moses Gwayi.

Civil were unceasingly posing threat in the last minutes of the match. In the 90+3rd minute, Hammer goalkeeper made a dangerous foul that saw Kunje whipping it in to seal a 4-1 victory.

Blessings Malinda, who gave Civil a confident lead with his goal and provided two assists, was named player of the Match.

In an interview after the match, Civil coach Abbas Makawa hailed his charges for a gigantic performance.

He said; “We told the boys to finish the game in the first half. I just encouraged them to enjoy the match and create scoring chances.”

Mzuzu City Hammers’ Team Manager, Lazarus Nyemera, described the 4-nil margin as an embarrassing defeat.

Airtel Top 8 action continues on today as Moyale Barracks host Silver Strikers, who thrashed the soldiers 1-0 in the first leg at Silver Stadium.

By Herbert Katanda